Woods Keeper at
Grant Park
Grant Park Winter Update 12.20.23
We spent many of our summer and fall workdays at Grant Park tending to the slope between Park Ave and the pool. Mindful of erosion, we cleared out the invasive shrub layer as well as Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana), a tree that’s native to the Coastal Plains and behaves extremely aggressive here in Atlanta. Other efforts were spent in previous work areas such as the “wetlands” with the Bald Cypress and River Birch trees (near Cherokee Ave & Orleans St) where we continue to monitor invasive Japanese Chaff Flower and Stiltgrass.
We’ve recently started in a new work area on the slope near Cherokee & Georgia Ave where we are encountering a plethora of invasive plants such as Callary Pear, Nandina, Mahonia, Wisteria, Privet, English Ivy, Tree-Of-Heaven, and Honeysuckle (Lonicera) — both the vine (L. japonica) and the bush (L. maackii). It’s always exciting to start in a new area and we’ve already uncovered a few native gems like Black Cherry, American Holly, and Yaupon Holly.
If you ever see us working please don’t hesitate to say hello! We are very passionate about what we do and are happy to answer questions or just have a chat about the beautiful wildlife this wonderful park has to offer.
— Michael Hudgins
Woods Keeper
We knew there was a pool back there somewhere!
A new work area near Cherokee & Georgia Ave. Let’s dive in!
Invasive Bush Honeysuckle root ball
Lonicera maackii
In November of 2022 Woods Keeper began work at Grant Park, beginning in the “wetlands” area near Cherokee Avenue. Majestic bald cypress and river birch trees stand tall while native asters and other wetland plants provide for local wildlife. Several planted native button bushes (Cephalanthus occidentalis) dot the area and it’s impossible to miss the stand of gigantic irises. Invasive plants such as honeysuckle, chaff flower, privet, English ivy, and stiltgrass threaten this space and others around the park as they spread rapidly and crowd out native species.
Woods Keeper’s focus is to remove and suppress these harmful non-native invasive plants so that native plants — plants that provide for the local ecosystem — can continue to exist and better yet, thrive. Biodiversity is the goal while beautification and improved visibility are the perks of the process. Check back here for updates or come enjoy another walk in this beautiful, historic park and see for yourself!
**Does native habitat restoration mean every plant that’s non-native will be removed? No. We believe non-native plants can have a place in landscapes as long as they are not invasive. This issue is not black and white and often requires a nuanced discussion involving the specifics of the site.
Winter is a great time for removal as most natives are dormant, making some invasive plants easy to spot as they are often evergreen.
Cypress knees have long stumped scientists about their purpose but they are unique and wonderful, that’s for sure!
